Yes, the industry has shifted. Yes, some outlets pay less than they used to — or nothing at all. But plenty still pay well. The difference? The writers who get those jobs are the ones who treat writing like a business, not a pity party.
I hear it all the time: “No one pays writers anymore. Why post when no one comments?”
Let’s get this straight. Writing is not a busking gig where you measure your worth by the clink of coins in the hat. If you’re waiting for the crowd to clap before you keep playing, you’ll never make it to the second verse.
The Company You Keep Matters
One of the quickest ways to kill your writing drive is to surround yourself with bitter writers who treat every unpaid opportunity as an insult, every lack of engagement as proof the world is against them.
Misery loves company — but it also steals your time, your energy, and your belief that writing is worth doing.
If your writing group spends more time complaining about algorithms and publishers than actually writing or pitching, it’s time to find a new circle.
The Hard Truth About Payment
Yes, the industry has shifted. Yes, some outlets pay less than they used to — or nothing at all. But plenty still pay well. The difference? The writers who get those jobs are the ones who treat writing like a business, not a pity party.
My mate Theo Bardwell talks about this over in his Freelance Unfiltered blog — knowing your rates, setting boundaries, and building a portfolio that gets you hired. That’s not romantic. It’s not glamorous. But it’s how you pay the bills and keep your dignity intact.
Why Post When No One Comments?
Because your work matters. Because readers are listening even when they’re not talking back. The Australian Society of Authors points out that audience engagement isn’t always visible — readers can be moved, influenced, or inspired without ever leaving a comment or clicking ‘like’.
Your post might be the one they think about in the shower next week. You’ll never know unless you keep showing up.
Best Practice Industry Advice
- Diversify Your Writing:Book writing is not the only option. Copywriting, content marketing, feature journalism, ghostwriting, grant writing — all pay. Many authors juggle these alongside their creative projects to keep the lights on.
- Know Your Value:Research current Australian freelance rates through the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA) and the Australian Writers’ Guild. Set your rates and stick to them.
- Build, Don’t Wait:Don’t sit around waiting for “the big break.” Pitch to multiple publications, self-publish strategically, run workshops, or create niche newsletters.
- Protect Your Mindset:If a writing space leaves you feeling smaller than when you entered, walk away. Surround yourself with writers who share opportunities, not just complaints.
Positive vs. Toxic Writing Circles
(A quick gut-check for the company you keep)
✅ Positive Writing Circles
- Share paying opportunities and encourage you to apply.
- Celebrate each other’s wins — big and small.
- Give constructive feedback without personal digs.
- Talk about writing more than complaining.
- Offer practical advice on pitching, publishing, and getting paid.
- Respect your time, deadlines, and creative process.
- Inspire you to try new genres, platforms, or skills.
❌ Toxic Writing Circles
- Constantly repeat “no one pays writers anymore” without offering solutions.
- Belittle or dismiss other people’s success.
- Give feedback that’s vague, mean-spirited, or ego-driven.
- Obsess over algorithm changes and industry gossip instead of doing the work.
- Treat writing as a competition for pity, not opportunity.
- Drag down your motivation instead of building it.
- Demand validation for every sentence before moving forward.
(A quick gut-check for the company you keep)
Reality Check
If your current circle ticks more boxes on the right than the left, it’s time to pack your pen and find a better table.
If you’re a writer, write. Get paid where you can, build your craft where you can’t yet, and keep your eyes open for opportunity. But don’t waste your energy arguing with people who’ve decided the game is rigged. They’ve already left the field — you haven’t.
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